Can Flamengo’s claim overturn the semifinal result? On Friday night Flamengo pressed CONMEBOL, insisting Marcos Rojo was wrongly listed by Estudiantes de La Plata in the Maracanã penalty shootout victory.
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Not cleared for the first leg, he couldn’t appear in the decisive fixture that triggered his transfer. Still, the Pincha appealed and the TAS granted a provisional ruling permitting his participation in the second leg.
Marcos Rojo, Estudiantes defender, in the Libertadores semifinal against Flamengo.
Flamengo leans on a 2018 case to tilt history its way. Back then, Independiente successfully disputed Carlos Sánchez’s inclusion, overturning a 0‑0 draw into a 3‑0 win over Santos. The authorities then sided with the claim, a precedent that now feels stretched. In my view, Flamengo is stretching the rule.
Three years earlier, in 2015, the Uruguayan midfielder was sent off while playing for River and had to serve the suspension, as the competition’s regulations dictate, even after switching clubs. Yet he signed the sheet, Avellaneda officials protested, and the match was awarded to them.
Carlos Sánchez, playing for Santos against Independiente in 2018. (Getty Images)
There’s also talk that Palmeiras may back Flamengo’s formal complaint to CONMEBOL. With sporting motives, the Verdão could demand that Rojo sit out the final for the same reason. If that scenario unfolds, Estudiantes might bench him to avoid a later adverse ruling.
An important detail: Estudiantes has hired a Swiss law firm, since the TAS sits in that European country. The La Plata side is gathering every rule nuance to counter Flamengo’s challenge before CONMEBOL.
Marcos Rojo, Estudiantes defender, in the Libertadores semifinal against Flamengo.
Date and venue of the Libertadores final
The championship decider between Estudiantes de La Plata and Palmeiras is slated for Saturday, 28 November, at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario. Kick‑off time remains to be announced.